FEBRUARY 20, 1952

Full News Archive

• Headline: Eisenhower Trails Truman in Poll. Impact: This polling embarrassment prompted Eisenhower to invest heavily in charisma training, ultimately leading to the rise of excessively charming politicians who think they can win over anyone with a smile and a wave.. Fact: Fun fact: Polls are basically just fancy gossip. If you hear one about your favorite candidate, remember it's just people yelling into the void..
• Headline: Vincent Reinstated as Envoy to Tangier. Impact: Vincent's return to Tangier opened up diplomatic doors that eventually led to the invention of the 'Diplomatic Immunity' excuse for all sorts of mischief, paving the way for future generations of envoys to party hard without consequences.. Fact: Did you know that being an envoy is like being a guest at a party where you get to eat all the snacks and leave without cleaning up? Lucky Vincent!.
• Headline: WELLES NAMED HEAD OF FREEDOM HOUSE. Impact: Welles' leadership sparked a movement that would lead to an explosion of grassroots activism, resulting in more memes about freedom than anyone could have ever anticipated.. Fact: Fun fact: Being the head of something named 'Freedom House' sounds great until you realize it's just a lot of meetings and snack shortages..
• Headline: WARREN TO ESSAY TEST IN WISCONSIN; Replies to Invitation by Group That Includes La Follette -- Calls Candidacy 'Honest'. Impact: Warren's candidacy led to a dramatic uptick in the use of the word 'honest' in politics, which, ironically, is now one of the biggest oxymorons in the political dictionary.. Fact: Did you know that 'honesty' in politics is often defined as 'not lying this week'? It's all about low expectations..
• Headline: CITY EMPLOYE REINSTATED; Court Orders Irving Frome to Duty With Back Pay. Impact: Frome's reinstatement sparked a trend of employees suing their employers, which eventually paved the way for the phrase 'I’ll see you in court' to become an acceptable way to say 'let's settle this like adults.'. Fact: Fun fact: Getting reinstated with back pay is like winning the lottery, except you still have to show up for work..
• Headline: PREFERRED STOCK CALLED BANK NEED; Schapiro Urges Passaic County Group to Consider Senior Capital's Advantages. Impact: Schapiro's suggestion set off a frenzy of financial jargon that made bank meetings sound like a high-stakes poker game, where everyone pretended to understand the rules.. Fact: Fun fact: Preferred stock is like the favored child of the investment world; it gets all the love but still has to deal with the drama of common stock..
• Headline: NEW YORKER DIVORCED; Mrs. George Arents Jr. Receives Decree in Reno Action. Impact: This decree triggered a wave of 'quickie divorces' that made Reno the go-to destination for anyone looking to escape their vows, unintentionally branding it as the 'Las Vegas of broken hearts.'. Fact: Did you know that getting divorced in Reno is like ordering a fast food meal? Quick, efficient, and you might regret it later..
• Headline: Gets $75,000 for Lost Arm. Impact: This landmark ruling set a precedent for compensation that would eventually lead to countless lawsuits, creating a booming industry for personal injury lawyers and a growing belief that accidents can be profitable.. Fact: Losing an arm is no laughing matter, but getting a hefty settlement sure makes it a bit easier to cope—just ask the lawyers!.